Industry Watch September 2012

Company News

Mark VII Equipment Inc. of Arvada, CO, has signed a two-year contract in which it will supply carwash equipment to seven Circle K carwash regions.

A July 20 press release quoted Steve Jeffs, Mark VII's president and CEO, who stated, “Our partnership with Circle K began with supplying equipment, service and chemicals to its Southwest region in 2008. Last year we expanded that relationship to include three additional regions and now we are adding three more. We are excited to continue to grow our successful partnership with this leader in convenience retailing.”

Galloway will distribute Washworld systems throughout the state. The company is also headed by company President Ed O'Hanrahan Jr.

Galloway Chemical was founded in 1962 and it also has its own line of chemicals and provides complete carwash design and construction consultation services.

SONNY’s The CarWash Factory of Tamarac, FL, has added on Auto Clean Inc. to their Select Service Organization (SSO) network.

Auto Clean, which is based in Houston, will distribute, install and service SONNY’s Tunnel Equipment and AutoPilot CarWash Control Systems in the greater Houston area as well as its surrounding markets.

“Auto Clean and their people are a perfect fit for what SONNY’s looks for in our SSO group,” Robert Picard, vice president of sales for SONNY’s, said in a statement. “Ray Coselli and his team represent unparalleled experience helping car wash operators succeed. They have the expertise and integrity to support our clients before, during, and after their decision to choose SONNY’s.”

PDQ Manufacturing Inc. of De Pere, WI, has appointed Mid-Florida Car Wash Equipment & Supply (MFCWES) as its distributor for its Central and Northeast Florida markets.

MFCWES of Apopka, FL, does business throughout 40 Florida counties.

MFCWES President and CEO Harold Chenoweth stated in a press release, “Everyone at Mid-Florida is very excited to have the opportunity to represent PDQ, the premier line of in-bay automatics. Mid-Florida is known for providing superior service and support and we look forward to expanding that to include PDQ equipment.”

PDQ has also appointed Car Wash Equipment & Supply (CWE&S) as a new distributor for its southern Florida market.

Bruce G. Remillard, president and CEO of CWE&S, said in a press release, "Considering all the uncertainty these days with car wash manufacturers, it makes perfect sense to align CWE&S with PDQ Manufacturing, a company known for quality equipment, dedication to professional service and a firm commitment to local Distributors."

CWE&S has been selling, installing, marketing and servicing carwash sites in south Florida for more than 40 years with over 600 installations.

PDQ also announced it recently made a $5,000 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help make the wishes of two teenagers come true.

The company's donation was matched by the Dover Foundation. PDQ is a member of the Dover's Engineered Systems™ market platform.

The combined $10,000 donation will help 16-year-old Brayden go to Hawaii with his family and will help Isabella, who is 14, to go on a Disney cruise with her family.

Kris Teofilo, regional director for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin, recently went to PDQ’s All Employee Meeting to thank the company and the employees for their donation. “Thank you for helping give local children with life-threatening medical conditions hope, strength and joy,” he wrote in a letter to Mike Savignac, PDQ's president and Becky Davies, the human resources manager.

PDQ made another charitable contribution through its charitable donations policy to the Brown County Sheriff's Benevolent Association (BCSBA).

The program allocates funds to each PDQ employee, allowing them to donate money on their behalf.

The BCSBA consists of 148 officers who help to provide financial assistance to various organizations supported by its members. This year, the BCSBA is working to help prevent "drug and alcohol use and abuse among teens, as well as stopping youth violence."

Becky Davies, PDQ’s Human Resources Manager, stated in a press release, “When we were researching local charities to support, and were made aware of the good works performed by the Brown County Sheriff’s Benevolent Association, we thought it would be the perfect recipient for one of our charitable donations. Keeping children safe and away from the dangers that are associated with drug and alcohol abuse is a worthwhile goal, and the great work being done by the BCSBA is definitely worthy of our support.”

People News

Will Quaglieri has rejoined Mark VII Mark VII Equipment Inc., the North America subsidiary of WashTec AG of Germany, and will manage the company’s new Circle K relationship. Quaglieri was instrumental in landing the Circle K business in 2008, according to a company announcement, and is responsible for implementation of the expanded contract.

The day also included a round table discussion and lunch. Topics discussed were the status of water restrictions, carwash conversions, marketing and best practices.

Labor laws and unionization were the topics of discussion at this year's New York State Car Wash Association (NYSCWA) membership meeting, which took place in Plainview, NY, at the Hilton Garden Inn Melville on July 17.

The meeting went from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon.

Labor and Employment lawyer Dennis Lalli of Bond Schoeneck & King in New York, and his associate Ray Pascucci talked about how to best prepare for possible audits and unionization.

NYSCWA Executive Director Suzanne Stansbury stated in a press release that the meeting was designed to provide New York state operators with the tools and resources needed to be in compliance.

NYSCWA Lobbyist William Crowell of Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna, were also on hand to discuss a new legislative update.